Listening to the Earth Spirit Clan's praises and oaths in his heart, Thorne felt a unique sensation rise within him. If his system didn't currently forbid absorbing faith power, he believed the loyal devotion of these ten thousand clansmen alone could double his strength.
The Earth Spirit Clan had suffered in dire straits too long. Now, appearing as their savior and granting them power, Thorne earned over 80% loyalty from each one.
In the temple, he summoned the Clan Leader and the seven, including McGee, who'd led him here. From their fishing efforts that day, he saw their weak strength but strong teamwork—malleable material.
"I've gathered you today for a task. With every Earth Spirit Clan member now at least Mortal Tier Level 1, you can conquer this nearby region. McGee will lead, with the other six assisting. Form an army quickly and, following my body's path, subdue all races around here," Thorne declared, wasting no time launching a conquest.
"Lord Lake God, with our current strength, we're unmatched nearby. But the dark river's depths are uncharted—we may struggle there," the Clan Leader said hesitantly, worried about failing Thorne's first order.
"Ignore the dark river for now—just monitor it closely. Clear out the shore races. Spare those who submit; wipe out the rest. I expect results in a month," Thorne replied.
"Yes, we won't disappoint you, Lord Lake God," McGee and the others vowed in unison.
After a long silence signaling Thorne's departure, the Clan Leader and McGee's group debated for half a day, finalizing a conquest plan.
They rallied all adult males—older ones guarded the grounds, while about three thousand young and able formed an army. McGee led as general, the six aiding him. After seven days of secret training, they marched out grandly.
Their first stop wasn't an enemy but the friendly Rock Monster Clan.
After negotiating, the Rock Monster Clan Leader agreed to pair each Earth Spirit warrior with a rock monster companion.
The two clans already shared a symbiotic bond—rock monsters annually joined the Earth Spirit Clan as partners. Seeing their might, even the dim-witted rock monsters knew to fully cooperate.
With the Rock Monster Clan's support, McGee's army swelled to six thousand. To build rapport between warriors and their mounts, he chose an easy target.
The Ratman Clan—human-limbed with rat heads—were vengeful and numerous but weak, perfect for practice.
When McGee's six thousand reached their territory, the Ratmen stood ready.
Their leader, recognizing McGee, jeered, "McGee, here to deliver food for us?"
Its warriors slapped their bellies, squeaking with laughter.
McGee ignored the taunt. His clansmen glared, single eyes blazing with fury.
The Ratmen, once numerous, had ambushed lone Earth Spirit hunters for food. Now, vengeance dawned.
"All forces, charge—leave none alive," McGee ordered, leading the rush.
Now Mortal Tier Level 3, McGee was the region's undisputed powerhouse. In one clash, he beheaded the Ratman general. Panicked Ratmen fled.
Earth Spirit warriors on rock monsters pursued. Cornered, the Ratmen fought back fiercely.
But with every clansman at Mortal Tier and rock monster aid, the Ratmen—small and weak—stood no chance.
The battle was a landslide. The Earth Spirit Clan crushed their defenses, stormed their lair, and slaughtered all within, claiming their treasures and precious food stores.
They lost just over a hundred, slaying nearly ten thousand Ratmen. Many fled into the dark river—unpursued, left to fate. The survivors posed no threat.
After three days' rest, McGee marched again, targeting the Ironhide Monster Clan—a beast race, less intelligent but tougher, their iron skin a challenge. Victory promised armor from their hides, aiding future campaigns.
This fight was grueling. Losses stayed at two hundred, but the warriors were exhausted—the Ironhides' defenses forced a war of attrition.
Afterward, the Clan Leader rallied the clan to craft armor from the hides, boosting the warriors' combat prowess.
Three days shy of the month's deadline, McGee returned, weary, with five thousand Earth Spirit and Rock Monster warriors.
This campaign stretched from their grounds to where Thorne breached the underground world, encountering eight races. Only the Stone Throwers and Dark Demons submitted; the rest, resisting fiercely, fell to McGee's invincible army.
Losses mounted—of three thousand initial warriors, under two thousand remained.
Yet they harbored no regrets or resentment toward Thorne's orders. This month brought ample food and vast territory—a safer, stable future for their descendants, all thanks to Thorne's renewal.